'A new moral order'

In bad times when the future looks uncertain, people look for something or someone that would help them sustain their faith and keep their hopes alive that things would eventually turn around for the better. This is certainly one of these times, with the global financial meltdown crushing down economies, destroying businesses and pushing people on the brink of despair.

In the Philippines, the financial crisis is starting to be felt especially among the lower sectors of society, particularly with the prospect of higher unemployment and the thought that relatives working abroad are also in danger of losing their jobs – which means the loss of precious dollar remittances. According to the labor secretary, some 60,000 jobs may be lost this year.

This growing sense of despair is underscored by an SWS survey showing that more than 40 percent of Filipino families consider themselves “food poor.” This poverty is also compounded by the anger over the perception that corruption has become deeply entrenched in this country – which is probably why Chief Justice Reynato Puno’s call for a “moral force” is gaining a lot of ground.

Several months ago when calls for him to join the presidential derby in 2010 started getting serious, the Chief Justice laughingly remarked that he would first consult his “council of advisers” composed of his very young grandchildren since they are his “moral force.” A lot of groups however took the remark seriously, even interpreting it as a reflection of Puno’s inherent concern for the youth and the future of this country.

It’s understandable that some – particularly politicians who are eyeing the presidency in 2010 – do not feel comfortable at the idea of the Chief Justice spearheading moves for a neutral, non-partisan group that would lead the fight against corruption in government, saying the judiciary should not meddle in the country’s political affairs. While Puno has consistently asserted that he has no plans of running in 2010, the mounting sense of excitement is unmistakable because the chief justice is an icon of integrity and therefore, is one of the few who has the credibility to talk about moral recovery.

Various sectors have given the idea a very positive reception, and though no names have been mentioned, speculations are already rife regarding the identities of the people who would form the advisory council, which includes a former lady diplomat, a media industry icon, and a top businessman who have reportedly given their nod to join the group.

That the idea of Chief Justice Puno becoming the country’s next leader is getting wide acceptance is perhaps indicative that people are looking at someone new other than the same old political names and faces. Another one of those being pushed to try his hat in politics is El Shaddai leader Brother Mike Velarde, whose five million solid membership is certainly a force to reckon with during elections.

If there’s anything positive at all about this global financial meltdown, it’s the fact that more and more people are re-examining their standards and values, with what can loosely be termed as the search for a “new moral order” as faith takes on a bigger role in a world that has been driven largely by apathy, materialism and cynicism.

Someone said that prayer becomes popular during difficult times, with people looking for a higher power who could get them through when things are in a tight crunch. As a matter of fact, there has been a reported upsurge in church attendance all over the world. In Canada, attendance has risen because, as one pastor puts it, people seek a source of dependency in time of need, praying to God more when they are in trouble.

The same is also true in the UK, with the Church of England admitting that the credit crunch is making people turn back to the church, with the rise in attendance notably seen during the onset of the global financial crisis. In the Philippines, there has been an increase by as much as 20 percent in church attendance – although this has not necessarily translated into an increase in church collections.

In America, people are re-examining their values and looking at the way they live – which some pastors consider a blessing in disguise because it has drawn people closer to God. It can be recalled that in 2001 after the 9-11 attack, there was also a reported upsurge in Church attendance. In fact, they even have a national day of prayer, institutionalized in 1983 by Ronald Reagan. Faith and prayer have always figured in the history of America, starting from the time of George Washington whose prayer at Valley Forge went down in history as one of the most profound expressions of faith because he conceded that it was impossible to govern without God and Bible.

Being a Catholic nation, Filipinos can certainly understand the need for a new moral order – and it will not be surprising if the call for a moral force will gain even more momentum in the next couple of months. The need for a new set of leaders perceived as morally credible and upright will be more profoundly felt over time, maybe even peaking just before the 2010 elections in May.

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